Lidar device

Abstract

A LIDAR device. The LIDAR device includes a housing; and an essentially flat first optical element formed from glass and situated in a side wall of the housing.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A LIDAR device, comprising:
 a housing; and   an essentially flat first optical element formed from glass and situated in a side wall of the housing.   
     
     
         12 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the first optical element has a defined slight outer curvature. 
     
     
         13 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a sealing element between the first optical element and the housing.   
     
     
         14 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the sealing element is fixed in a groove of the first optical element. 
     
     
         15 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the sealing element is a rubber lip. 
     
     
         16 . The LIDAR device as recited in claim  10 , wherein a heating device is situated within the first optical element. 
     
     
         17 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the first optical element is flush with the sealing element or projects slightly over the sealing element in a defined manner. 
     
     
         18 . The LIDAR device as recited in claim  10 , further comprising:
 a second optical element situated in an interior of the housing and being rotatable with respect to the first optical element.   
     
     
         19 . The LIDAR device as recited in  claim 18 , wherein a ratio of radii of curvature of the first optical element to the second optical element is approximately 2:1 to approximately 5.1. 
     
     
         20 . A method for manufacturing a LIDAR device, comprising the following steps:
 providing a housing; and   providing an essentially flat first optical element formed from glass and situated in the housing.